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Resident describes vicious dog attack, commissioners say animal‑control authority exists and will be reviewed
Summary
A Cumberland resident told commissioners his sister’s dog was killed by neighbor pit bulls and criticized animal control’s response. County attorneys and commissioners said a 2024 update to local animal control law gives authorities the power to declare animals public nuisances and seize them, and commissioners directed staff to follow up.
During public comment at the Allegany County Board of Commissioners meeting, resident Richard Everett described an August 19, 2025, incident in which two neighboring pit bulls escaped, fatally attacked his sister’s dog and severely injured family members, and he criticized animal control and the city police response.
Everett, identified as a resident of Pennsylvania Avenue in Cumberland, said he had security camera footage of the attack, described a delayed animal control response and reported a $2,000 veterinary bill after the dog had to be euthanized. “They ripped his leg completely off,” Everett said of the attack in the video he provided, and he said animal control initially deemed the dogs not vicious and imposed a $100 fine.
County Attorney Beaman and commissioners responded that the county updated animal control laws in October 2024 to provide specific procedures and enforcement tools, including the authority to declare an animal a public nuisance and to seize animals and prohibit ownership. Beaman said it concerns him that animal control told Everett they lacked authority; commissioners said they will investigate enforcement and meet with animal‑control staff.
Why it matters: Everett’s account raises questions about enforcement of county animal‑control ordinances, public safety for neighbors and the adequacy of the county’s response to repeated dangerous‑dog reports. Commissioners said they pay roughly $500,000 annually to the animal shelter/animal control provider and expect enforcement consistent with county rules.
Details from public comment Everett said two pit bulls belonging to a neighbor had previously been loose and had attacked his animals in other incidents, and that on Aug. 19 the dogs rushed onto his sister’s porch and killed the dog in front of family members. He said the responding police and animal control personnel initially told the family the dogs were not vicious; he later provided video and text evidence he said supported classification as vicious. He said animal control ultimately fined the owner $100 and left the dogs in place.
County response and next steps Beaman told the commissioners that the 2024 updates to the county animal control code provide a procedure to declare animals public nuisances and allow seizure and prohibition on future ownership. Commissioners instructed staff to follow up with animal‑control officers to confirm their understanding of those powers and to ensure proper enforcement. No formal enforcement action was taken by the board during the meeting; the public‑comment item resulted in direction to county staff to investigate and report back.
Community impact and outstanding questions Everett and commissioners said the case leaves residents concerned about repeat incidents and the adequacy of responses. Everett said family members suffered injuries in earlier events and worried a child could be seriously harmed if the dogs escape again. Commissioners asked staff to revisit the shelter and animal‑control practices and to ensure the county’s statutory tools are being used when warranted.
